The Colorado Springs GazetteThe Gazette is Colorado Springs's most trusted source for breaking news, sports, weather, obituaries, politics, business, art, entertainment, blogs, video, photos.Save this content for laterSave this content on your device for later, even while offlineSign in with GoogleSign in with your Google accountSign in with FacebookSign in with your Facebook accountClose

Broncos training camp notebook: Coach, quarterbacks finding footing

The Broncos rookies weren't the only ones getting their feet wet Thursday. Vance Joseph has attended many training camps, but this was his first in charge.

"Obviously being a head coach is a little different," Joseph said. "I'm trying to find my way around the field. Everyone breaks and goes to their spots, and I'm like, 'Where should I go?' I don't want to take over anybody's drill. That's the hard part - I want to coach more."

Related:

The former Colorado player, who coached defensive backs for four other NFL teams before being hired by the Broncos in January, was impressed by the first day of training camp.

"We started where we left off, which was good to see," Joseph said. "It's hard to say without watching film, but I thought everyone was engaged. the effort was great."

Short and sweet

To the surprise and delight of the reported 3,792 fans in attendance, players started trickling off the field well before the noon heat set in.

Quarterback Trevor Siemian, who opened camp with the first-team offense, noticed the faster pace.

"It was cool. Coach Joseph did something different, which I had never done before," Siemian said. "We got right into the red zone, which I think is really smart, to see the guys' legs. Guys responded to it really well."

Lynch more comfortable

Second-year quarterback Paxton Lynch rarely saw the field during his rookie season.

The 6-foot-7, 245-pound signal caller only saw action in three games, starting two of them. In spite of that, he feels he has steadily improved since his first training camp.

“Honestly, it feels night and day,” Lynch said on his first day of training camp as a rookie to the first day of training camp as a second-year pro. “I feel way more comfortable out there with those guys. I can be myself a little bit more. Last year I felt like, I was kind of tiptoeing away, trying to learn things and figure everything out at once instead of just sitting back, getting a plan and sticking to it. Now, I have gotten a little bit more comfortable and I have kind of found a regimen to stick to and a plan to stick to. It’s worked pretty well. Through OTAs and even through the first day, I have continually gotten better every day.”

Etc.

According to Joseph, defensive tackle Derek Wolfe did not practice due to a stomach issue. ... Devonte Booker’s injury does not change the landscape of the running back position, according to Joseph. While Booker was set to challenge C.J. Anderson for the starting back spot, the Broncos have five runners who are competing for the lead role. ... Rookie defensive end Demarcus Walker ended practice early due to a heat issue. Joseph said he's not worried. ... Newly acquired offensive guard Allen Barbre made a nice impression on the coaching staff during his first practice as a Bronco. Joseph expects Barbre to compete with Max Garcia for the starting left guard spot. ... New Denver running back Jamaal Charles is cleared for all football activities. The Broncos still plan to ease him in.